Premier League clubs are to step up their efforts to combat online racism by launching a social media blackout.
Plans are in place for what is being called football’s ‘Weekend of Action’ on May 1 to May 3.
Top flight outfits are set for go silent for a 24-hour period on their various social media outlets
The Premier League will also stop interaction on its own social media page throughout the weekend, which features Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United, reports the Daily Mail.
Continued abuse on social media platforms have led to the motion which comes just months after footballing authorities in the UK wrote to leaders of Facebook and Twitter asking for more action.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has already spoken to a host of clubs about the planned boycott as momentum gathers.
He wrote in an email to clubs on Friday: “There would be no usual football content.
“Instead channels would be used to put pressure on the social media companies and drive awareness of the racist and other discriminatory abuse that we continue to see appear on the platforms.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Masters also added: “Players, ex-players and other prominent football personalities from all backgrounds continue to get abuse and are asking for, and deserve, football-wide support to highlight the irresponsibility of the social media platforms which protect the abusers.”
Clubs have been asked to confirm their support and whether they will back the boycott by 2pm on Monday 19 April.
Players too will be asked to join in the boycott in the day leading up to it with messaging and graphics sent out to ensure a “consistency of message”.
Meetings will be held early this week, with an announcement potential due before Thursday.
